Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips - Urology

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Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to various symptoms and complications if left untreated. Your symptoms, including itching, pain in the glans, discharge, and swelling of the foreskin, are consistent with gonorrhea. It’s important to understand the nature of this infection, its treatment, and how dietary choices can support your recovery.


Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Common symptoms of gonorrhea in men include:
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Increased frequency of urination
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Swelling or pain in the testicles
- Sore throat (if oral sex was involved)
- Rectal pain or discharge (if anal sex was involved)
In your case, the persistent symptoms despite treatment suggest that the infection may not have been fully eradicated or that there could be complications such as a secondary infection or resistance to the prescribed antibiotics.


Treatment of Gonorrhea
The standard treatment for gonorrhea typically involves antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends dual therapy, which includes:
- Ceftriaxone: An injectable antibiotic.

- Azithromycin: An oral antibiotic.

This combination is effective against gonorrhea and helps prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. If you are still experiencing symptoms after completing your antibiotic course, it’s crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may need to perform additional tests to determine if the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotics prescribed or if there is another underlying issue.


Dietary Tips for Recovery
While diet alone cannot cure gonorrhea, maintaining a healthy diet can support your immune system and overall health during treatment. Here are some dietary tips:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out toxins and support kidney function.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, nuts, and leafy greens) can help boost your immune system.

3. Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics into your diet, such as yogurt or fermented foods (like kimchi and sauerkraut). Probiotics can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your body, especially if you have taken antibiotics.

4. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These can irritate your urinary tract and may exacerbate symptoms.

5. Avoid Spicy and Acidic Foods: These can irritate the bladder and worsen discomfort during urination.


Additional Considerations
- Follow-Up Care: Since your symptoms have persisted, it’s essential to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may need to perform a culture or sensitivity test to determine the most effective antibiotic for your specific strain of gonorrhea.

- Avoid Sexual Activity: Until you have completed treatment and your symptoms have resolved, it’s advisable to abstain from sexual activity to prevent spreading the infection to partners.

- Inform Partners: It’s important to inform any sexual partners about your diagnosis so they can also seek testing and treatment.

In conclusion, while gonorrhea is a treatable infection, it’s crucial to adhere to your treatment plan and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Dietary choices can support your recovery, but they should complement, not replace, medical treatment. If symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice.